Hugo Broos Urges South African Talent to Test Themselves in Europe

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has called on South African players to seek opportunities in Europe, highlighting teenage sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi as a prime example of talent ready for a bigger stage.

Speaking after South Africa’s recent clash against Nigeria, Broos reflected on the gap in international exposure between the two teams. He noted that all Nigerian players in the match play for European clubs, including Atalanta, AC Milan, and Fulham, while South Africa’s squad remains domestically based.

“You know, when you see the team of Nigeria, there is no (locally-based) Nigerian in the team. They all play abroad. In big teams, like Atalanta, like AC Milan, like Fulham. We don’t have it. But you see, that is not a disadvantage. We have good players. Really, we have good players,” Broos said.

The Belgian coach stressed that while the PSL remains competitive, European football offers higher intensity and greater challenges, which he believes are essential for player development.

“What we did now with the national team, and what hopefully we will do in the future, is give players the occasion to go to Europe. That should help South African football. We can be sure that we play in competitions that are at a higher level than our PSL here. They will become better when they play in those competitions. It will be good first for the national team, but also for the national competition,” Broos added.

Broos also highlighted the struggle South African players face in gaining international recognition. “When you go to Belgium and you ask, ‘give me a name of a South African player,’ nobody can give you. Except those who played in Belgium, like Percy Tau or Darren Keet. But if you ask for a Senegal, Cameroon or Ivory Coast player, they will tell you names straight away. So the African player is not known, even when he’s good. He has to go out. Maybe the PSL teams will not be happy to hear that.”

Broos singled out 19-year-old Orlando Pirates defender Mbokazi as a standout example. “Look at a guy like Mbokazi. This guy has to go to Europe. He’s 19-years-old. You see the way he’s playing. He has already 10 years of experience on this level. This is his third game with the national team, and you see how he’s playing. So again, let’s hope that some players can do the steps next year. It will be good for South African football, believe me.”

Mbokazi’s fearless performances for Bafana Bafana have already made him a symbol of a new generation of South African players who, Broos believes, can elevate the national team if given the right opportunities abroad.